1. Acute paraplegia due to schistosomiasis: an uncommon cause in developed countries.
- Author
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Chauvin A, Ghazali A, Le Jeunne C, Plaisance P, Szwebel TA, Costedoat-Chalumeau N, Beubon F, Reiner P, Paugam A, and Paule R
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Developed Countries, France, Guinea, Humans, Male, Transients and Migrants, Paraplegia etiology, Schistosomiasis complications, Spinal Cord Diseases etiology
- Abstract
We present a case of a young African migrant from Guinea-Conakry presented to a French emergency department with burning pain in both feet for 2 days. The symptoms progressed to limb paraparesis with sphincter disorders. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed a hyperintense spinal cord lesion without contrast enhancement extending from the T6 vertebrae to the conus medullaris. Cerebrospinal fluid exam (CFE) showed an isolated hyperproteinorachia (0.61 g/l). Schistosomiasiss serology was positive and a rectal biopsy showed a schistosoma egg surrounded by an inflammatory reaction with granulomatosis. After steroid and antihelminthic therapy, accompanied by intensive physical therapy, the patient had an improved neurological neurological outcome.
- Published
- 2019
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